Awesome streak earns Mule team award

DETROIT — Nobody on the Red Wings’ roster has enjoyed a hot streak this season like the one that Johan Franzen is currently riding.

The third-year center from Sweden finished an incredible March, scoring 14 goals with four assists and a plus-six rating in 13 games that saw the Red Wings go 10-2-1. And for his extraordinary efforts, Franzen earned the season’s final Hardest Working Player of the Month Award, presented by Carhartt.

Franzen received his award from Red Wings’ advertising sales account executive Mary Greener during a pre-game ceremony prior to the start of the Wings-Blue Jackets game at Joe Louis Arena on April 3.

During the regular-season, Carhartt presented the monthly award to the hardest working Red Wings’ player, along with Carhartt merchandise. The award recognizes the player for his hard work and individual dedication to commitment necessary to excel on the ice. The Red Wings’ coaching staff and front office personnel select the monthly recipients.

Following a disastrous -- by Red Wings’ standards -- February, the team received a much-needed boast from Franzen, who has been on a career-best streak, scoring goals, including seven power play tallies, in 11 games in March. He also set a new franchise mark by scoring six game-winning goals, surpassing the record first established by the great Gordie Howe in the February 1952.

Franzen had his first career two-goal game in the Wings’ 4-3 win over Nashville on March 9. He ended the month with another pair of two-goal efforts in losses to Columbus (March 16) and St. Louis (March 28). He also had three two-point (a goal and assist) nights in wins over Buffalo (March 2), Dallas (March 13) and Nashville (March 20).

Franzen’s record setting game-winning goal came on the last day of the month when the team honored Mr. Hockey on his 80th birthday during a special pre-game ceremony prior to the start of Sunday’s 1-0 overtime win over Nashville.

For over 115 years, Carhartt has manufactured premium workwear known for exceptional durability, comfort, quality of construction, and fit that you can feel in the fabrics and see in the performance. Established in 1889, Carhartt is family-owned and operated with over 4,000 employees dedicated to providing Best-in-Class apparel for the active worker.

Carhartt and the Red Wings would like to recognize Johan Franzen for his outstanding work and success during the month of March and wish him continued success throughout the remainder of the season and the Stanley Cup playoffs.